Peeves blocked the way

Harry adjusted his glasses and said with determination, "Luo Bin, you're right, but whoever got that information out of Hagrid a few weeks ago must have ties to Voldemort. He knows Fluffy's weakness, and the reason he hasn't acted yet is probably because Dumbledore is at the school. Professor McGonagall said the headmaster would be back tomorrow."

"So tonight is Voldemort's best chance to act. Even... even if things turn out the way you said, even if I lose points, even if I get expelled, I won't regret it. Protecting the Philosopher's Stone is something I believe in. If I do nothing tonight and the Stone really is stolen, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

His words fired up not only Hermione and Ron, but also stirred Luo Bin's quiet admiration for Harry Potter's kindness and fearless spirit.

He patted Harry's shoulder and said, "Good. That's what I was waiting to hear!"

"Luo Bin, one more person means more help. Would you come with us?" Harry asked sincerely.

"Of course!"

An adventure to my heart's content, and a front-row seat to the action? Of course I would!

The four stacked their hands and swore never to reveal their plan, then returned to their respective dormitories.

In the Gryffindor dormitories, Hermione went through all her notes, hoping to find a spell that might help protect the Philosopher's Stone. Ron stuffed his mouth with food, choosing to build up his strength for the tough battle ahead. Harry polished the flute Hagrid had given him for Christmas—a powerful weapon against Fluffy, the three-headed dog.

In the Slytherin dormitory, Luo Bin stuffed every piece of equipment he might need into his cloth bag. Watching him, Draco came over and asked curiously, "Robin Sear, are you off to break school rules again?"

"What? Planning to tell on me and end up wearing a hat to class every day like Crabbe?"

"I'm not as stupid as he is. You haven't forgotten what you promised me, have you?"

"No. Before the train leaves Hogwarts, I'll destroy that thing in front of you."

"Good. Just a warning—Peeves has been up to no good lately. Be careful he doesn't catch you."

"Don't worry. I won't lose Slytherin any points!"

Judging that the Main Character Group had probably dealt with Neville blocking their way by now, Luo Bin pulled up his hood, slung on his cloth bag, and hurried through the corridors to their meeting place.

Luo Bin leaned against the wall, concealing himself behind the Humanoid Armor. A few minutes later, the edge of his sleeve suddenly lifted. The faint tug told him that the three members of the Main Character Group had arrived.

He stepped out from behind the armor. Something soft and slightly cool, with a silky feel, brushed across his cheek. In the blink of an eye, the black-haired, black-eyed boy vanished from sight.

"Luo Bin, no one saw you coming out, did they?" Ron whispered.

"No. What about you?"

"Neville. We ran into Neville. He used everything we taught him about standing up to Draco against us. I was so disappointed in him. He blocked the portrait hole, shouting and making a fuss. I had no choice but to cast Petrificus Totalus on him."

"I've never seen him stand so straight. His hands were pressed against his trouser pockets, his legs locked together, and he hit the floor with a thud. That must have hurt. Once this is over, I'll go and see him!"

The four had barely started up the first staircase when they spotted Mrs Norris crouching at the top. Ron's eyes widened, and he whispered excitedly, "Oh, look! It's Filch's cat. Nasty thing. Let's give it a kick. Just one!"

It was only a cat. There was no need to take their resentment toward a person out on it. Luo Bin, Hermione, and Harry all shook their heads at Ron's suggestion, and the four gave Mrs Norris a wide berth.

The cat stared with gleaming eyes, turning its head to follow their footsteps. Its whiskers quivered, as though it might spring forward with its claws out at any moment. Just as the four thought they had been discovered, it turned its head back and narrowed its eyes at the foot of the stairs.

All four breathed a sigh of relief, lightened their footsteps, and slowly made their way to the staircase leading to the Fourth Floor.

La la! Rrrip! Rrrip!

Humming a cheerful tune, Peeves bounced up the stairs while tugging the carpet loose, clearly intending to play a trick on the students who got up early the next morning.

With the carpet loosened, the four moved even more slowly. Suddenly, Peeves stopped and whipped his head around. Narrowing his black eyes, he glared toward the right-hand side of the middle of the staircase. "Who's there? Who dares play tricks on the great Peeves, the original master of mischief? I can't see you, but I know you're there. Are you a ghoul? A ghost who can turn invisible? Or some naughty little student?"

Peeves rose into the air and folded his arms across his chest. He circled above the four, growing irritated when he received no answer. "Filch, come quick! There's someone here, or a ghost, breaking Hogwarts rules!"

His obnoxious tone practically begged for a beating. Luo Bin put on the Bamber Mask and imitated the Bloody Baron's raspy voice. "Peeves, the Bloody Baron has his reasons for not wishing to be seen."

Peeves went pale with fright and nearly fell onto the stairs, though as a poltergeist, a fall would hardly have mattered.

"I'm sorry! Please forgive me, Your Bloodiness, Lord Baron! It's all my fault. These blind eyes of mine didn't realize it was you. Of course, you are invisible. Your Lordship, Peeves would never dare challenge you! Please forgive my impertinence."

"I have important business in the castle tonight. You are not to come out again!"

"Y-yes, Your Lordship. Peeves will clear off right away. May everything go smoothly, and may you get everything you want!" With that, he flew away at once.

"That's amazing. The Bloody Baron really does scare him!" Ron said in astonishment.

Of course he did. The Bloody Baron kept all the ghosts in line not merely because he was covered in blood, but because of his ruthlessness!

The Baron had been among the first students of Slytherin House at Hogwarts, and his love for Helena Ravenclaw had gone unrequited.

Later, seeking wisdom, Helena had stolen the Diadem from her mother and fled to Albania. Rowena Ravenclaw had then sent the Baron to bring Helena back.

After many dangerous adventures, the Baron had found Helena deep in a dense forest, but she had refused to leave with him. In a fit of rage, he had killed her. When he realized what he had done, he had stabbed himself with the same knife he had used to kill Helena.

A wizard... no, a ghost who was ruthless toward his "beloved" and even more ruthless toward himself, capable of anything once his temper flared—which ghost wouldn't fear him?

Three minutes later, the four reached the Third Floor Corridor. Seeing that the door had been unlocked and left slightly ajar, Harry said excitedly, "Look! I was right, wasn't I? Voldemort's follower has made his move tonight!"

"Harry, that might... not be good news!"

Thinking of everything they were about to face, Ron couldn't help feeling frightened. Yet his friend's firm grip on his chubby little hand filled him with tremendous courage.

"I'm not scared. With you here, I'm not scared of any danger!"

"Ron, that's the nicest thing you've said in almost a year!" Hermione praised him with a smile.

"Let's go in!" Harry took a deep breath and spoke with resolve.